At this year CES, we noticed three strong speaker presence: Focal, Marten and Magico.  These speakers were showed in various electronics with all excellent sound.  The Marten, Swedish speaker maker, is partnering with Nagra this year to showcase its Coltrane Tenor speakers at its main showroom.  It has excellent dynamics with a little forward soundstage.  I find all Marten speakers, including the entry level Django, have crisp vocal and smooth and lush high note.  If I remember correctly, the new Django starts at $15,000; which is a great pair of speakers at this price range.

Speakers often come in different shape and material.  The speaker from Angel Sound surely catched many attention at the show.  Jay and I had the pleasure to talk to the manufacturer.  This company is actually from Las Vegas, and they have been building speakers for years.  They sound as good as it looks as well.

Another of my top 10 pick is the system from Perfect 8 Technologies and BAlabo.  The beautiful looking speakers enclosure is made of glass.  Perhaps not our usual choice material for speakers, but the sound is surprisingly good.  The bass level can be adjusted according to the room size and owner's preference.  It has an excellent sense of richness in its midrange with full body just like life-alike.  This is a trully beautiful sounding system.